Writing and Language Support
We know our writing and language development improves when we get to talk about it with others at various stages of the process.
We help you develop your academic writing skills and your approach to the writing process through meaningful conversations about your writing in individual appointments, workshops, and writing groups.
If you are a multilingual student and want to improve your English language skills, you can participate in individual and group sessions and access classroom instruction to help improve your writing, speaking and listening, oral presentation, and reading skills.
Due to (PDF file) TMU Policy, we are unable to help with take home tests or exams.
Need assistance using Google Meet or Zoom? (google doc) Read our guide on online apps (external link) .
Appointments
We offer three types of individual appointments:
For students who use English as an additional language. Build your vocabulary, fluency, and confidence. Meet with a member of the student staff and practice and improve your spoken English skills. Engage in structured language activities or have an informal conversation - you can also practice an oral presentation and receive critical feedback.
Meet with a member of the student staff and go through a written assignment. Staff serve as a "second reader" and will help you identify errors with grammar, usage, word choice, and style, helping you to become a more effective self-editor.
Meet with a trained writing consultant to discuss your academic writing. Ask questions, and get thoughtful, critical feedback that will help you move forward. Come in at any stage of the writing process.
Book a 1-on-1 session to review your slides for organization and flow, make the presentation more engaging, or practice and receive constructive feedback. Appointments can be either in-person or online.
Drop-in Writing Appointments
How it works
Offered after Reading Week
Drop-in appointments (online & in-person) are for same-day requests, and on a first come, first served basis.
For online drop-ins, the Zoom link will be available for the duration of drop-in hours. If a consultant is available, they will see you immediately. If the consultant is already with a student, we will let you know when a spot becomes available. We will do our best to accommodate all requests, however, drop-ins are not guaranteed.
The drop-in hours (in-person & online) and Zoom link can be found in the document below:
Weekly Group Sessions and Non-Credit Classes
For students who use English as an additional language. These weekly group sessions build oral fluency and interpersonal communication skills through group discussions, real-life tasks, and presentations. Learn strategies for vocabulary development, general/professional communication, and gain confidence in your conversation and facilitation skills.
The group runs weekly. Register for Conversation Group Sessions.
- For students who use English as an additional language (Level: Intermediate +). These student-centred oral communication classes build confidence, fluency, appropriateness, and accuracy in spoken English. Engaging exercises and activities provide opportunities to build and practice skills, strategies, and techniques that will help you become a more effective English speaker. Each week's session will include a mini lecture, discussion activities and exercises that build effective oral presentation skills.
Offered in Fall & Winter semesters. Register for English Communication Support Classes.
Essay 101 is a 6 week program that will guide students through the essay writing process. From understanding essay structure to research and drafting, students are welcome to attend sessions as needed, or join weekly, to be guided through the entire process of preparing, researching and writing an academic essay.
Dates: Tuesdays January 28 to March 11 at 3pm-4pm in SLC 453
- Week 1: Tuesday January 28- Understanding Essay Structure
- Week 2: Tuesday February 4 - Understanding the Thesis Statement
- Week 3: Tuesday February 11 - Steps to Outlining an Essay
- Reading Week (Feb 17 - 21)
- Week 4: Tuesday February 25 - Steps to Researching + Search Terms
- Week 5: Tuesday March 4 - Navigating Scholarly texts and Citations
- Week 6: Tuesday March 11- Process and Drafting an Essay
Conversational Connections
This program is a unique opportunity for students who use English as an additional language. Get matched with a volunteer, aged 60+, and practice your English language speaking skills 1-on-1 in a relaxed, informal conversational situation. Build your confidence and fluency, exchange cultural ideas, and gain an appreciation of intergenerational differences. This program is a partnership between Writing & Language Support and Programs for 50+ at the Chang School of Continuing Education. A short virtual interview will be arranged to clarify expectations
English Language Test Prep
Are you preparing for a standardized English language assessment, e.g. IELTS, CELPIP, TOEFL? Writing & Language Support provides 1-on-1 practice and feedback sessions for TMU students.